Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder David Peralta (6) high fives starting pitcher Matt Koch (55) after hitting a two RBI home run during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder David Peralta (6) high fives starting pitcher Matt Koch (55) after hitting a two RBI home run during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) hits a two RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) hits a two RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) is congratulated by right fielder David Peralta (6) after hitting a two RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during te first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder Jarrod Dyson (1) is congratulated by right fielder David Peralta (6) after hitting a two RBI home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during te first inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Daniel Descalso (3) hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Daniel Descalso (3) hits a double against the Philadelphia Phillies during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) catches the ball in front of a young fan for an out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) catches the ball in front of a young fan for an out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) catches a pop foul ball for an out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr (23) catches a pop foul ball for an out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Rhys Hoskins (17) looks on as a fan catches the home run ball of Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (not pictured) during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Rhys Hoskins (17) looks on as a fan catches the home run ball of Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (not pictured) during the third inning at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) high fives third baseman Daniel Descalso (3) after hitting a three RBI home run during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Nick Ahmed (13) high fives third baseman Daniel Descalso (3) after hitting a three RBI home run during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (19) checks his hand in the dugout after being relieved in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

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Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Ben Lively (19) checks his hand in the dugout after being relieved in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citizens Bank Park.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock watches the ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies' Aaron Altherr for a three-run home run off Zack Greinke during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 5-3. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks' A.J. Pollock watches the ball hit by Philadelphia Phillies' Aaron Altherr for a three-run home run off Zack Greinke during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 5-3.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Philadelphia Phillies' Cesar Hernandez (16) is tagged out on a attempted steal by Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

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Philadelphia Phillies' Cesar Hernandez (16) is tagged out on a attempted steal by Arizona Diamondbacks' Daniel Descalso during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta, right, high-fives Jarrod Dyson after Peralta hit a sacrifice RBI off Philadelphia Phillies' Jake Arrieta to score Dyson during the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks' David Peralta, right, high-fives Jarrod Dyson after Peralta hit a sacrifice RBI off Philadelphia Phillies' Jake Arrieta to score Dyson during the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke throws during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

From left, Philadelphia Phillies' Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr celebrate in the outfield after a 5-3 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

From left, Philadelphia Phillies' Rhys Hoskins, Odubel Herrera and Aaron Altherr celebrate in the outfield after a 5-3 victory against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke, center, walks back to the mound after giving up a three-run home run to Philadelphia Phillies' Aaron Altherr (23) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 5-3. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Zack Greinke, center, walks back to the mound after giving up a three-run home run to Philadelphia Phillies' Aaron Altherr (23) during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, in Philadelphia. The Phillies won 5-3.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila, rear, rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila, rear, rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila, right, high fives Jarrod Dyson after Avila hit a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies' Vince Velasquez during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton) Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila, right, high fives Jarrod Dyson after Avila hit a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies' Vince Velasquez during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
Derik Hamilton/AP

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte, left, celebrates with Jarrod Dyson after Dyson hit a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies' Vince Velasquez during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks' Ketel Marte, left, celebrates with Jarrod Dyson after Dyson hit a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies' Vince Velasquez during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray throws during the third inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Philadelphia Phillies' Rhys Hoskins, left, scores a run past Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila on a sacrifice RBI by Maikel Franco during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies' Rhys Hoskins, left, scores a run past Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila on a sacrifice RBI by Maikel Franco during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

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Apr 24, 2018: Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Daniel Descalso (3) hits a two run home run during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Apr 24, 2018: Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Daniel Descalso (3) hits a two run home run during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia. Derik Hamilton/AP

Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton/AP

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Photos: Arizona Diamondbacks at Philadelphia Phillies

Arizona Diamondbacks right fielder David Peralta (6) high fives starting pitcher Matt Koch (55) after hitting a two RBI home run during the third inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

Arizona Diamondbacks' Alex Avila, rear, rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run off Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) during the third inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, April 24, 2018, in Philadelphia.(Photo: Derik Hamilton/AP)

PHILADELPHIA – The Diamondbacks are tied for their best start in franchise history, but perhaps what’s most striking about it isn’t how well everyone is playing. It’s that they’ve been able to win despite how few players are actually at their best.

In clobbering the Philadelphia Phillies 8-4 on Tuesday night, some of those slumbering players started to show signs of awakening. Catcher Alex Avila had three hits and connected for a monster home run. Lefty Robbie Ray struck out 11 and attacked hitters more effectively with his fastball. Jarrod Dyson and Daniel Descalso also went deep.

“Things can be frustrating on players,” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “But I know they’ve been around long enough and they’re going to stay with their game plan and come out the other end.”

For as much as is possible on a team that’s begun the year with 16 wins in its first 22 games, Avila had turned into something of a local whipping boy, catching flak from fans and radio hosts for his brutal start. Avila is known around baseball as a catcher with a potent bat; but in his first year with his new team, he entered Tuesday with just a .114 average (4 for 35) with 18 strikeouts.

Something appeared to click for him on Tuesday. On a 2-1 pitch in the third inning, Avila turned around a 96 mph fastball from Phillies right-hander Vince Velasquez and launched a prodigious home run to right field, a ball that traveled an estimated 418 feet and crashed off the facade of the second deck.

He added singles in the sixth and seventh innings. All three of his hits came with strong exit velocities, leaving his bat at 97 mph or harder. Entering the night, he’d hit just seven balls this season at least 97 mph and had recorded hits on only three of them.

“I’ve been feeling pretty good, even though the results haven’t been there,” Avila said. “The work before the games, BP and in the cage, stuff like that, everything’s been feeling good. It’s just a matter of getting some to fall through. Sometimes you’re going to struggle. It’s a hard game. But it was nice to be able to contribute.”

Avila said he’d been overthinking things at the plate and hadn’t been aggressive enough, watching too many hittable pitches go by. But he also said he realized the tide would eventually turn. Even as a 10-year veteran who grew up around the game, that was easier said than done.

“It's not easy," he said. "You play long enough, you understand you’re going to go through some really bad stretches. I’ve gone through some really bad stretches in my career, and I’m still playing. It happens to everybody. That’s just part of being a professional. Just kind of continuing, as everybody likes to say, the grind. That’s just the way it is.”

CLOSE

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo talks about his team's win over the Phillies on a rainy night in Philadelphia.

Ray’s night wasn’t so unequivocal in its successes. Depending on the viewpoint, it could either be seen as a step forward or as him continuing to search for his old form – or perhaps a little of both.

The good was he recorded 11 of his 14 outs via the strikeout. The bad was he recorded only 14 outs, leaving in the fifth due to a pitch count of 107. But his velocity continued its slow, upward trajectory, and his fastball again became a pitch with which he could attack hitters.

“Frustrating from a results standpoint, but not from execution, honestly,” said Ray, who gave up three earned runs on five hits and three walks. “I felt like I executed pitches the way I wanted to. It’s just the results weren’t there today. There’s definitely something to build off of.”

In his first four starts, Ray had looked a little like someone pitching backward. That is, he relied on his offspeed stuff before going to his fastball later in counts. This was a shift from the Ray of last year, a pitcher who overpowered with his fastball.

His velocity had been down about a mile and a half from last year, and down, too, was his rate of swinging strikes on his fastball. Last year, hitters missed at 25 percent of the fastballs they swung at against him. That rate was down to 16 percent this year.

But on Tuesday night, he got whiffs on nine of the 29 fastballs (31 percent) at which the Phillies swung – and he again seemed to be aggressive with the pitch in all counts.

“I was able to pitch up in the zone tonight like I normally do and was kind of mixing in down in the zone/up in the zone,” Ray said. “It’s coming together. It’s just frustrating that the results aren’t there.”

Both Dyson (.160 entering Tuesday) and Descalso (.184) had unsightly numbers through the season’s first few weeks. But both hit key, no-doubt home runs as the Diamondbacks won the first game of their road trip.

“That’s part of everyone understanding it’s a hard game,” Avila said. “You stick with those guys and keep playing and keep working hard, things tend to start falling in your direction.”